
Today, I’m thankful for Guatemala.
Guatemala has left a distinct mark on me. I love the people there. I love the lessons I’ve learned so far through my experiences related to Guatemala. And I’m grateful for a country so far away from my home where God works amazing miracles. I can’t wait to go back again!
Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. I Peter 2:11
Why are you thankful today?
Don’t forget to sign up for the weekly Stretched newsletter. Check out this post to find out how to sign up.
Today, I’m thankful for sports.
I’ve been a sports fan as long as I can remember. I enjoy playing sports, and I like watching sports as well. I’m thankful that God allows us to have interests just for fun. There are so many sports stories that encourage and inspire me. Sports have also taught me how to handle defeat and victory.
Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. I Corinthians 9:25-27
Why are you thankful today?
Don’t forget to sign up for the weekly Stretched newsletter. Check out this post to find out how to sign up.

Today, I’m thankful for Isaac (my son).
“Isaac is a quiet boy.” This is how Hannah described Isaac when he was a toddler. Isaac is still quiet much of the time, but there is something pretty neat about him. When Isaac speaks, people listen. He’s sensitive. He’s caring. He’s smart. And he’s talented.
My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity. Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:1-6
Why are you thankful today?
Don’t forget to sign up for the weekly Stretched newsletter. Check out this post to find out how to sign up.

Thank You No. 20
Today, I’m thankful for Hannah (my daughter).
Today is her 16th birthday. How did that happen so fast? She is growing into an incredible young woman. She loves God, and she has a heart to serve others. Happy Birthday, Hannah!
Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court. Psalm 127-3-5
Why are you thankful today?
Don’t forget to sign up for the weekly Stretched newsletter. Check out this post to find out how to sign up.

Thank You No. 19
Today, I’m thankful for grace.
I mess up way more than I care to admit. Without God’s grace, I would be lost.
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9
Why are you thankful today?
Don’t forget to sign up for the weekly Stretched newsletter. Check out this post to find out how to sign up.

Today, I’m thankful for my parents.
They will be the first to admit they aren’t perfect. But I owe so much of who I am today to my parents (both my biological parents and my in-laws). First and foremost, they directed me to Jesus. They’ve provided guidance and given me the encouragement to try new things.
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” — which is the first commandment with a promise — “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” Ephesians 6:1-3
Why are you thankful today?
Don’t forget to sign up for the weekly Stretched newsletter. Check out this post to find out how to sign up.

Today, I’m thankful for friends.
Over the years, God has blessed us with friendships. Friends pick you up when you are hurting. Friends look out for you. Friends listen. They care. And they stick with you. We have some great friends!
As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend. Proverbs 27:17
Why are you thankful today?
Don’t forget to sign up for the weekly Stretched newsletter. Check out this post to find out how to sign up.

Today (Saturday), I’m thankful for the beach.
Leanne and I made a quick weekend trip to Ocean City, MD. This is the perfect time to come and get away for a couple of nights. This morning, we enjoyed a little geocaching. And this afternoon, we walked around 5 miles on the beach. What a blessing!
Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away. If one were to give all the wealth of one’s house for love, it would be utterly scorned. Song of Solomon 8:7
Why are you thankful today?
Don’t forget to sign up for the weekly Stretched newsletter. Check out this post to find out how to sign up.

Today, I’m thankful for routine.
It’s no secret that I thrive on routine. I like doing the same thing each week day. I like eating the same thing for breakfast. I appreciate consistency in my life. (I realize this isn’t always possible, but it’s one of the things I’m thankful for when it does happen.)
The sun rises and the sun sets, and hurries back to where it rises. Ecclesiastes 1:5
Why are you thankful today?

Today, I’m thankful for my wife.
Today is actually her birthday (a milestone birthday). She is such an encourager. She’s a great match for me. And I’m blessed beyond words.
He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord. Proverbs 18:22
Why are you thankful today?